WNAMM13: King Korg

New Analog Modeling Synth 24/01/13

Korg has announced the King Korg analog modeling synth. Korg tells us that, focused on live performance, it features their new XMT (Xpanded Modeling Technology) engine, with many types of oscillators and filters that can accurately model sought-after vintage analog synths. Korg says that, with its controls laid out in easily identifiable sections, King Korg delivers the unique characteristics of a dedicated synthesizer, while remaining approachable to players who are new to synthesizers. They tell us that it not only shines on stage with high quality sound, but also with a champagne gold finish befitting its royal name. Here's the details in Korg's own words...

A 3-oscillator, 2-timbre design allows players to generate thick and rich sounds. In addition to essential waveform choices such as sawtooth, square, sine, triangle, and noise, King Korg provides pre-set algorithms that contain various combinations of oscillator numbers and types, for easily and quickly sculpting stage-ready sounds. The oscillator algorithms also include numerous PCM/DWGS algorithms for creating highly personal sounds.

The filter section is crucial to a synthesizer's character, and King Korg's filters add unparalleled flexibility. In addition to a variety of essential analog modeling filter types, there are faithful filter models from analog monophonic synths that were used for lead and bass sounds in the '70s, as well as the polyphonic synths used in new wave music of the '80s, plus the filters of Korg's classic MS-20 analog synth. These filters can also be made to self-oscillate by raising the resonance setting– a unique capability of analog synthesizers.A selection of 200 stage-ready preset programs includes many familiar and authentic sounds for playing classic and modern songs, plus fresh, inspiring sounds for new musical creations. An assortment of live performance staple sounds includes PCM–based piano, electric piano, organ, and clavinet. Users can store their own creations in 100 onboard user sound locations.

Each of three master effect sections offers a choice of six effect types: PRE FX such as distortion and amp simulator; MOD FX, including phaser, chorus, and tremolo; and REV/DELAY such as hall reverb and modulation delay. A full-analog vacuum tube driver circuit is also included as a mastering effect. It can be used to add warm fullness, a powerful overdrive, or anything in between. In addition, a built-in, full-featured vocoder uses audio from the onboard mic input to create a talking effect.

Many classic synthesizers used patch cables to physically reconfigure the signal flow. King Korg's intuitive Virtual Patch system reproduces this function. With six Virtual Patch assignments per timbre, control signals such as EG, LFO, or joystick movement can be virtually connected to sound parameters such as pitch or cutoff, allowing users to modulate a parameter for even greater sound-shaping possibilities.

King Korg's design makes it easy to create and modify sounds. The oscillator section has its own dedicated display, and the control knobs are assigned to the most important parameters for each oscillator. There are also dedicated dials for each of the three master effects, making it easy to audition different effects to hear how they modify the sound. Self-luminous organic EL displays are used for excellent visibility, even on a dimly lit stage.

King Korg features five octaves of velocity-sensitive keys, with adjustable response (Normal, Shallow, or Deep) to mimic that of classic instruments. Below the dedicated octave shift buttons, a backlit X/Y joystick is ready to control important live performance tweaks.

A CV/GATE OUT jack enables players to use an analog signal to control a KORG monotribe or MS-20. A dedicated cable is included to use the keyboard of King Korg to play the monotribe.

Pricing and Availability:

The King Korg will be available February 2013 for a U.S. Street price of $1299.

The Kronos looks good... Maybe this is a case of it looking better in person.

I wish it had aftertouch though...

24-Jan-13 01:34 PM

Peter K. Said...

The King Korg, not the Kronos, sorry. That has a great action with aftertouch, of course.

24-Jan-13 01:35 PM

S R D Said...

I still own and use a RADIAS. This is lesser specced to my eyes, and ears - i heard a korg demo on youtube - so i hope the street £ is a little softer to help the sales.

24-Jan-13 05:09 PM

Klaus Said...

It's SO ugly. It looks more like a servant rather than a king.

24-Jan-13 07:56 PM

Said...

It looks more like a servant than a king.

24-Jan-13 07:57 PM

Shani Said...

this is ugly indeed!

25-Jan-13 06:25 PM

Shani Said...

this is ugly indeed!

25-Jan-13 06:26 PM

Just Jim Peck Said...

I don't think it's ugly... the gold finish is kinda steampunkish... But who cares what it looks like... I still want one!!!

26-Jan-13 09:53 AM

cromercrox Said...

Well, I tried the KingKorg. I am impressed, but not impressed enough to buy one. The piano sounds are great, the synths very flexible, dynamic and easily editable. Some of the synths are really big and punchy and analogue-y, with big reassuring knobs for filter, resonance, amp amount, ADSR and all the usual. Some of the sounds I've heard before, on the MS2000 and such, but on the KingKorg you can edit them beyond recognition within seconds. But there were concerns. It's only bitimbral - you can have two sounds, which you can split and layer. I think having the 16-sounds-at-once TR61 has spoiled me. I didn't see any facility for velocity-splits. No after-touch or pressure sensitivity - more of a turn-off than I imagined - I'm just so used to digging in with my TR61. The control surface looks like it's derived from the SV1 stage piano, in that on the left there is a valve (great distortion) and three independent FX banks - tone and sound shaping (including a ringmod - my favourite), modulation (chorus, phaser, flanger, univibe, rotary), and reverb/delay (including a lovely authentic-sounding tape delay). The synth section is on the right. Which is awkward, as all the knobs you want to twiddle most - cutoff, resonance etc - are over to the right, rather than on the left, where they would be easier to get at. On my TR61 there are 4 assignable knobs which are conventionally cutoff, resonance, something I can't remember and envelope release - but they are on the LEFT and easily reachable without obscuring what you are doing with the right hand. So for now I think I shall stick with my dear old TR61. The sounds on the KingKorg are much more accessible and easy to shape on the fly, but I think I shall persevere with the fiddly screen and menus of the TR for now...